Trip to Grand Targhee

We bought ski passes this year that include a bunch of different resorts, one of them being Targhee. We decided we needed to take advantage of one of our favorite resorts being on the pass and make it up there at least once this winter! We invited Max to come with us and we headed up for a long weekend. I was really hoping for a day clear enough to see the Tetons. The last few times we have been (and the only times Jackson and Bode have been) it has been an overcast and snowy day. I was so happy when we were driving to the resort and I could see the Tetons!

I think the boys were pretty impressed with the view at the top of the lift. It was fun to show them after telling them for years about how awesome the view is on a nice day. It was also really cool to show Jackson how you could see Tablerock from where we were, which is the hike he took with us a couple of summers ago. 

We had a great day skiing together. While we were skiing with the older boys, my parents took Davis and Molly to a snow plane expo, where they actually got to ride in a snow plane. They also went in to Jackson Hole and even got to make a trip to the candy store. I'm grateful they got to spend some time with my parents and grateful my parents made it such a fun day for them.  

Jackson turns 13!

We officially have a teenager in our household! And as far as teenagers go, he's pretty great. After driving home from the Meine's cabin and a quick stop at home to unpack, we headed to take the birthday boy out to dinner. Unfortunately, the place he chose was closed for New Year's Day so we went with plan b, which   was one of his other favorites, Umami, and it was great. I made him a yummy dulce de leche cake for his birthday. I hope he felt very loved on his birthday, because he is!

Found this selfie he took on my phone on his birthday.

I am so grateful for Jackson. He's such a great kid. He's done so well in making the jump to junior high. He's doing well in all of his classes (many of which are A.L.L.-accelerated learning). He's making new friends, and finding new strengths and interests. He's really taking off in tennis this year and jumped up the tennis ladder, where he is currently 3rd in varsity as a 7th grader! Jackson has always been kind and thoughtful and he's such a great leader in our family. Very grateful for this boy who is growing up so fast!

Birthday questionnaire

One of the recent changes for Jackson is he got glasses and contacts! I didn't know he had impaired vision at all, but at his well-child check at the pediatrician he struggled on the eye exam and they suggested we see an optometrist. We found out he did need vision correction, so he's the proud new owner of contacts and two new pairs of glasses. I think he looks very handsome with the glasses! 

New Year's

We had another great trip to our friends' cabin to ring in the New Year. Our family really looks forward to this trip. It's such a blast with all of the friends, games, treats, and sledding. It also gives us something to do in that lull between Christmas and New Year's. We're grateful for all of these years the Meines have been willing to host us!

This was the kids on the drive home. I think they partied pretty hard!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2021

For the second year, we went to Top Golf with the Heinholds on Christmas Eve. We had a bit of a wait, so we decided to grab breakfast at IHOP while we wait. We had the nicest waitress! We loved talking to her and she didn't seem to mind a bit she was working on Christmas Eve. She was so kind to all of our kids. We made sure to leave a big tip for her and tell her Merry Christmas. It actually really made me feel the Christmas spirit to meet someone so kind and uplifting.

I didn't take many photos at Top Golf, but fun was had by all.

Our tree looked so pretty this year, I had to take one more picture of it on Christmas Eve. The kids had fun sprinkling Molly's reindeer food from school all over our front lawn before they headed to bed. They all decided to sleep together in Bode's room this year, which I loved!

Sometime during the night, Santa came!

Funny how a few hours later, this is how the room looked! I love the after photo and take one every year. My parents were with us for Christmas this year and we loved having them with us for the Christmas morning fun.

The kids woke up early (I think we told them they couldn't wake us up before 6 am). They were very excited about Santa coming and opening presents. 

Davis made me this little heart out of perler beads and wrapped it up himself. I thought it was the sweetest gift and I cherish it. I keep in on my dresser in our room to remind me that even though I am far from a perfect mom, my little boy loves me. I was really impressed with the kids this year in thinking outside of themselves. They all gave each other something and were excited about the giving aspect.

Molly's Magic Mixie was probably the most anticipated toy of the year for her. It's this little interactive toy that is like a mini cauldron you add water to and are supposed to use your magic wand with to reveal a magic little stuffed animal. It was actually really cute and cool and she loved it. Good thing because I heard it was really difficult for Santa to get a hold of one for her!

Christmas dinner turned out maybe the best it ever has this year. It was so good! I love having my parents with us to enjoy it. 

Our ward did its Christmas program the day after on the 26th. I took a picture of the kids all dressed up. The second picture is from another Sunday in December that I just want to include because I think Molly looks so darling. Grateful for another merry Christmas with our family!